Cook Children's Offers Primary Care Newborn Classes
Welcoming a newborn is a life-changing experience, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. This is why several Cook Children’s Primary Care offices are now offering free newborn classes for new and expecting parents.
Tina Manshadi, M.D. from Cook Children’s Pediatrics (Plano) shared this mother’s experience from a recent newborn class session:
“I remember a mom who came to class looking really worried about whether her baby would be getting enough milk in those early days,” Dr. Manshadi explained. “She kept saying, ‘How will I know?’ So, we sat together and walked through all the little clues we look for, such as how a baby feeds, how they’re gaining weight, monitoring diapers, and the signs that her milk supply was coming in just fine. As we talked, you could see her shoulders relax. By the end, we had a plan that matched her goals, and she knew she wouldn’t be figuring it all out alone. We were a team, and that made all the difference.”
The ‘team’ approach is how the pediatricians at Cook Children’s view newborn care. Below, four of our pediatricians leading these classes answer some of the big questions and help prepare parents for the classes.
Beyond the basics, what is the primary benefit parents gain from attending this class?
“It is a great chance to understand what to expect from a pediatrician’s office and to get a sense of the doctor who might be seeing you a whole bunch those first several years,” says Alison Hsu, M.D., from Cook Children’s Pediatrics (Parkwood). “There are no dumb questions,” she emphasizes.
Amy Stockhausen, M.D. from Cook Children’s Pediatrics (Carrollton) says “expectant parents who attend this class have the chance to really communicate with and get to know the physician teaching the class.” “They have the opportunity to ask questions they are particularly worried about and get answers from a physician instead of online,” Dr. Stockhausen continues.
For a new parent arriving feeling unsure or worried, what does a typical newborn class look like? What can they do to prepare beforehand?
Dr. Hsu encourages that since “these tend to be smaller classes; it can be structured in the way that works best for the parents attending.” “We have a presentation we can go over if you’re not sure what to ask or expect, but we can also spend extra time on topics of interest, skip past things that aren’t of interest, and have free and open discussion. To prepare, parents can certainly come with specific questions or considerations for their situation.”
What is one essential topic you cover that surprises parents the most, and why is it so critical for those first few weeks?
“One thing that always surprises parents is just how normal so many newborn behaviors really are,” says Dr. Manshadi. “Frequent feeding, quirky sleep patterns, sneezing, hiccups, and plenty of crying are all part of healthy development. Once parents learn this, you can almost see the relief—they realize their baby isn’t ‘difficult,’ they’re simply being a newborn. That reassurance can make those first few weeks feel a whole lot lighter,” she encourages.
What do you hope is the single biggest takeaway every parent carries home with them after their class?
Dr. Stockhausen reminds parents “that they have good instincts, even if they have little experience in caring for babies.” “There is a lot of information from friends, neighbors, family and the internet; I hope families learn that they are the best source of knowledge about what is right for their baby and their family. We are here to support them with education and scientific advice whenever they need us!”
“I want every parent to walk away knowing they’re never on this journey alone,” encourages Dr. Manshadi. “Welcoming a new baby is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming—and that’s exactly why we’re here. Whether it’s a big worry or a small question that pops up, I want parents to feel comfortable reaching out anytime.”
How do these classes provide support for the parents as they navigate life with a newborn?
Diana Nguyen, D.O. from Cook Children’s Pediatrics (Parkwood) says “attending a class will give parents an introduction to the clinic and a chance to meet with the pediatrician. You may also get to meet and chat with other parents who are experiencing the same things you are or have the same questions as you do.”
The "team" approach doesn't end when the class is over; it’s the beginning of a lifelong partnership in your child’s health. If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed a newborn, we invite you to join us at one of our participating locations.
Below is a list of all clinics offering these newborn classes and the links to sign up. We look forward to being a part of your journey!
